Radiation protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices among radiology managers in Kampala Central Division: A cross-sectional study.

Authors

  • Linda Alioru Nancy Ernest Cook University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Imaging, Albert Cook Road, kampala Author
  • Victoria Nakalanzi Ernest Cook University, Department of Research, Albert Cook Road, kampala Author
  • Richard Malumba Ernest Cook University, Department of Research, Albert Cook Road, kampala Author
  • Alen Musisi Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/9n6qcq98

Keywords:

Radiation Protection, Radiation safety, Radiology Managers, Ionizing Radiation, Knowledge Assessment, Occupation Safety

Abstract

Background:

 Medical applications account for nearly all human-made sources of ionizing radiation exposure, making radiation protection (RP) essential for safeguarding patients and healthcare workers (HCWs). Radiology managers are central to ensuring compliance with safety standards, promoting a positive safety culture, and overseeing RP resources. However, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding radiation safety are insufficiently documented in Uganda.

 

Objective:

To assess the RP KAP of radiology managers in medical facilities within Kampala Central Division and generate evidence to strengthen radiation safety systems.

 

Methods:

A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among radiology managers from all 19 Atomic Energy Council licensed facilities in Kampala Central Division. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from validated tools. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic characteristics and KAP levels. Knowledge was categorized using Bloom’s cut-off points, and attitudes were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Associations between demographic characteristics and knowledge levels were examined using the Chi-square test.

 

Results:

 Nineteen managers participated (73.68% male; mean age 26 years). Knowledge levels were mostly low (47.37%) or moderate (47.37%), with only one participant achieving a high score. Level of education (p = 0.038) and hospital type (p = 0.002) were significantly associated with knowledge. Attitudes toward RP were highly positive, with mean scores above 4.8 on key items. RP practices were generally adequate, including universal availability of AEC regulations and high encouragement of PPE use, although gaps such as inconsistent dosimeter monitoring were noted.

 

Conclusion:

 Although radiology managers expressed strong attitudes toward RP, their knowledge levels were suboptimal. Strengthening training, promoting continuous professional development, and reinforcing institutional RP systems are essential to improving radiation safety for HCWs and patients.

 

Recommendation:

Facilities should implement targeted and continuous training programs, especially through CMEs, for radiology managers to strengthen their knowledge of radiation safety principles.

Author Biographies

  • Linda Alioru Nancy, Ernest Cook University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Imaging, Albert Cook Road, kampala

    is a Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging graduate from Ernest Cook University, with a specialization in medical imaging and radiation protection. She is dedicated to advancing safe imaging practices and promoting radiation safety awareness among healthcare professionals and patients.

  • Victoria Nakalanzi, Ernest Cook University, Department of Research, Albert Cook Road, kampala

    is a Research and Grants Officer at the Ernest Cook University in Kampala, Uganda. Her research interests encompass diagnostic imaging, radiation protection, and the application of medical imaging in resource-limited settings. She has contributed to studies on the appropriateness of computerized tomography utilization among children and young patients in Uganda. Her work aims to enhance the quality and safety of medical imaging practices in Uganda.

  • Richard Malumba, Ernest Cook University, Department of Research, Albert Cook Road, kampala

    is a lecturer and clinical medical physicist at the Ernest Cook University in Mengo, Kampala, Uganda (Department of Applied Sciences). He holds an MSc in Medical Physics, and his areas of expertise include dosimetry, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of diagnostic imaging equipment, radiation protection, treatment planning, and optimizing medical imaging in resource-limited settings.

  • Alen Musisi, Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute

    is a lecturer and clinical medical physicist at the Ernest Cook University in Mengo, Kampala, Uganda (Department of Applied Sciences). He holds an MSc in Medical Physics, and his areas of expertise include dosimetry, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of diagnostic imaging equipment, radiation protection, treatment planning, and optimizing medical imaging in resource-limited settings.

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Published

2026-03-14

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): March 2026 Issue

Section

Section of peer-reviewed articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Linda Alioru Nancy, Victoria Nakalanzi, Richard Malumba, Alen Musisi (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

ALIORU, L. . N., Nakalanzi, V., Malumba, R., & Musisi, A. (2026). Radiation protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices among radiology managers in Kampala Central Division: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Imaging Science for Diagnosis, 3(3), 11. https://doi.org/10.51168/9n6qcq98

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